Question 3: Long-term Objective C

$1,992,228.00
Fiscal Year: 2009

3LC. Determine the effect of at least five environmental factors on the risk for subtypes of ASD in the pre- and early postnatal period of development by 2015. IACC Recommended Budget: $25,100,000 over 7 years.

3.L.C. Funding: The recommended budget was partially met, and several projects were funded, but it appears there is a downward trend in funding for these projects over time. This objective partially overlaps with 3.L.A.

Progress: Epidemiological studies coded to other objectives (e.g., EARLI) may also represent progress in this area.

Remaining Gaps, Needs, and Opportunities: A barrier to the completion of this objective is the undefined nature of ASD subtypes, both phenotypically and etiologically, lack of prenatal samples, and the lack of longitudinal follow-up of at-risk subgroups. This field is still developing and needs support.